insider

noun

in·​sid·​er (ˌ)in-ˈsī-dər How to pronounce insider (audio)
ˈin-ˌsī-
Synonyms of insidernext
: a person recognized or accepted as a member of a group, category, or organization: such as
a
: a person who is in a position of power or has access to confidential information
b
: a person (such as an officer or director) who is in a position to have special knowledge of the affairs of or to influence the decisions of a company

Examples of insider in a Sentence

Political insiders say that she is planning to run for president. The book gives fans an insider's view of Hollywood.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
SpaceX — Elon Musk's rocket company gained 12% a day after key insider lock-up provisions expired and investors snapped up newly available shares. — Ananya Chetia, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026 Fortunately, Forbes Travel Guide has uncorked some insider tips for sampling Napa’s finest wines, including joining a wine club and taking a local class. — Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Instead, as was the case during the political transition in the Soviet Union after the death of Joseph Stalin, the decisions and dealmaking of a small cohort of insiders will determine who takes charge. — Julian G. Waller, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026 People’s insider — who’s said to have hosted the dinner — claims that’s not what happened. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insider

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insider was in 1848

Phrases Containing insider

Rhymes for insider

See All Rhymes for insider

Browse Nearby Words

inside quire
insider
inside right
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insider. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

insider

noun
in·​sid·​er (ˈ)in-ˈsīd-ər How to pronounce insider (audio)
: a person who is a member of a special group or organization

Legal Definition

insider

noun
in·​sid·​er
: a person who is in a position of power or has access to confidential information: as
a
: one (as an officer, director, employee, relative, or owner of more than 10% of the corporation's stock) who is in a position to have special knowledge of the affairs of or to influence the decisions of a company
b
: an individual (as a relative or an influential party) or entity (as a corporate affiliate) having a close relationship with a debtor such that transactions are not made at arm's length and are subject to closer scrutiny than the transactions of those dealing at arm's length

More from Merriam-Webster on insider

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for insider

Nglish: Translation of insider for Spanish Speakers

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